2 Corinthians 1:12
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.
Original Language Analysis
Ἡ
G3588
Ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 33
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
καύχησις
rejoicing
G2746
καύχησις
rejoicing
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
3 of 33
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
5 of 33
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μαρτύριον
the testimony
G3142
μαρτύριον
the testimony
Strong's:
G3142
Word #:
8 of 33
something evidential, i.e., (genitive case) evidence given or (specially), the decalogue (in the sacred tabernacle)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
12 of 33
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἁπλότητι
simplicity
G572
ἁπλότητι
simplicity
Strong's:
G572
Word #:
14 of 33
singleness, i.e., (subjectively) sincerity (without dissimulation or self-seeking), or (objectively) generosity (copious bestowal)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 33
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰλικρινείᾳ
sincerity
G1505
εἰλικρινείᾳ
sincerity
Strong's:
G1505
Word #:
16 of 33
clearness, i.e., (by implication) purity (figuratively)
θεοῦ
godly
G2316
θεοῦ
godly
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
17 of 33
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
σαρκικῇ
fleshly
G4559
σαρκικῇ
fleshly
Strong's:
G4559
Word #:
21 of 33
pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
22 of 33
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
χάριτι
the grace
G5485
χάριτι
the grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
24 of 33
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
θεοῦ
godly
G2316
θεοῦ
godly
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
25 of 33
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἀνεστράφημεν
we have had our conversation
G390
ἀνεστράφημεν
we have had our conversation
Strong's:
G390
Word #:
26 of 33
to overturn; also to return; by implication, to busy oneself, i.e., remain, live
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
28 of 33
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κόσμῳ
the world
G2889
κόσμῳ
the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
29 of 33
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
Cross References
1 Corinthians 2:13Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.2 Corinthians 2:17For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.1 Thessalonians 2:10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:Hebrews 13:18Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.Acts 23:1And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.Acts 24:16And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offence toward God, and toward men.Job 13:15Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.2 Corinthians 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.2 Corinthians 4:2But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God.
Historical Context
Written around AD 55-56 from Macedonia after Paul's 'painful visit' to Corinth (2:1). The Corinthian church faced challenges to Paul's apostolic authority from 'super-apostles' (11:5) who valued eloquence over cruciform ministry. Paul writes to defend his ministry, explain his changed travel plans, and restore relationship with this fractious congregation.
Questions for Reflection
- Can I claim 'testimony of conscience' as my boast, or does conscience accuse me of duplicity?
- How does conducting myself 'by grace of God' versus 'fleshly wisdom' look different practically?
- What relationships require me to demonstrate 'more abundantly' the sincerity I show others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience (ἡ καύχησις ἡμῶν, τὸ μαρτύριον τῆς συνειδήσεως)—kauchēsis (καύχησις, "boasting") is Pauline terminology; martyrion (μαρτύριον, "testimony") and syneidēseōs (συνειδήσεως, "conscience") indicate inner conviction bearing witness. Paul's confidence rests on internal integrity, not external success.
That in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation—haplotēti (ἁπλότητι, "simplicity/sincerity") and eilikrineia (εἰλικρινείᾳ, "purity," lit. "tested by sunlight") contrast with sophia sarkikē (σοφίᾳ σαρκικῇ, "fleshly wisdom").